Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks
These Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks wrap savory deli ham, sliced cheese, and mozzarella string cheese inside soft pizza dough. They’re baked until golden, brushed with seasoned garlic butter, and served warm with honey mustard or marinara sauce.
With their crisp edges, fluffy centers, and stretchy melted cheese, these easy stuffed pizza sticks are perfect for quick lunches, game day, parties, after-school snacks, potlucks, or an easy family dinner.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 16–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: 8 pizza sticks
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with refrigerated pizza dough
- Filled with ham and three kinds of cheese
- Crispy outside and soft inside
- Warm, stretchy mozzarella center
- Perfect for dipping
- Family-friendly
- Easy to customize
- Great for parties and game day
- Convenient handheld portions
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
Pizza Dough Sticks
- 1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 tablespoon flour, for the work surface if needed
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For Serving
- Honey mustard
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Cheese sauce
How to Make Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Parchment paper helps prevent any melted cheese from sticking to the baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean work surface.
If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle the surface lightly with flour.
Gently stretch or roll the dough into a large, even rectangle. Avoid rolling it too thin because the dough needs enough strength to hold the filling.
Step 3: Cut the Dough
Cut the pizza dough into eight approximately equal rectangles.
A pizza cutter makes this step quick and creates clean edges.
The rectangles should be large enough to wrap completely around the ham and cheese.
Step 4: Add the Sliced Cheese
Place half a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese in the center of each dough rectangle.
Leave a small border around the edges so the cheese doesn’t escape during baking.
You can use one type of cheese or alternate between cheddar and Swiss.
Step 5: Add the Ham
Fold one slice of deli ham so it fits inside the dough.
Place it over the sliced cheese.
Avoid allowing the ham to extend beyond the dough because exposed edges can make the sticks difficult to seal.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella
Place one mozzarella string cheese stick across the ham.
The string cheese creates the stretchy, melted center shown when the pizza sticks are pulled apart.
If the string cheese is too long, trim it slightly so it fits inside the dough.
Step 7: Roll the Pizza Sticks
Beginning at one short end, roll the dough tightly around the filling.
Tuck in the sides as you roll, similar to making a small burrito.
Pinch the final edge firmly against the dough to seal it.
Step 8: Seal the Ends
Pinch both ends closed so the melted cheese stays inside.
If necessary, dampen the dough edges with a small amount of water to help them stick.
Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Leave approximately two inches between the sticks so they brown evenly.
Step 9: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, optional Parmesan, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
Brush approximately half of the garlic butter over the unbaked pizza sticks.
Reserve the rest for brushing after baking.
Step 10: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 16–20 minutes, or until the pizza sticks are puffed and deeply golden.
A small amount of cheese may escape from the ends. This is normal and creates crispy cheese around the edges.
Step 11: Add More Garlic Butter
Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Immediately brush the hot pizza sticks with the remaining garlic butter.
The warm dough absorbs the butter and develops a flavorful, glossy finish.
Step 12: Rest
Allow the pizza sticks to rest for approximately 5 minutes.
The cheese inside will be extremely hot, and resting helps the filling settle.
Step 13: Serve
Transfer the Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks to a serving platter.
Serve them warm with honey mustard, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The Best Pizza Dough to Use
Refrigerated canned pizza dough is the quickest and easiest option.
You can also use:
- Homemade pizza dough
- Store-bought dough from a bakery
- Crescent-roll dough
- Puff pastry
- Biscuit dough
- Flatbread dough
Traditional pizza dough creates a chewy, bread-like texture. Crescent dough produces a softer and more buttery result, while puff pastry creates delicate, flaky layers.
The Best Ham to Use
Thinly sliced deli ham is easy to fold and roll inside the dough.
Suitable choices include:
- Black Forest ham
- Honey ham
- Smoked ham
- Virginia ham
- Leftover baked ham
- Turkey ham
- Prosciutto
If using leftover baked ham, dice it finely so the dough rolls easily.
Pat moist ham dry with paper towels before assembling the sticks. Excess moisture can make the interior dough soggy.
The Best Cheese for Pizza Dough Sticks
Mozzarella string cheese works especially well because it melts slowly and creates a stretchy center.
Cheddar and Swiss add stronger flavor around the mozzarella.
Other good cheese options include:
- Provolone
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
- Gouda
- American cheese
- Smoked mozzarella
Avoid overfilling the sticks. Too much cheese can make them difficult to seal and cause excessive leaking.
How to Keep the Cheese Inside
A little melted cheese escaping from the dough is normal, but you can reduce leaks with these tips:
- Leave a border around the filling
- Keep the filling away from the ends
- Don’t overfill the dough
- Pinch the seam firmly
- Seal both ends completely
- Place the rolls seam-side down
- Chill the assembled sticks for 10 minutes before baking
- Use low-moisture mozzarella
Make sure there are no thin areas or holes in the dough before baking.
Why Did My Pizza Sticks Open While Baking?
The dough may not have been sealed firmly, or too much filling may have been added.
Refrigerated dough can also become difficult to handle when it gets too warm. If it begins stretching excessively, refrigerate the assembled sticks for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Placing the seam underneath each roll helps hold it closed.
Can I Use Crescent-Roll Dough?
Yes.
Separate the crescent dough into rectangles and press the perforated seams together.
Add the ham and cheese, then roll and seal as directed.
Crescent dough may bake more quickly, so begin checking it after approximately 12 minutes.
Can I Add Pizza Sauce Inside?
Yes, but use only a small amount.
Spread approximately one teaspoon of thick pizza sauce over each dough rectangle before adding the ham and cheese.
Too much sauce can prevent the dough from sealing and may make the filling soggy.
For the best texture, serve the marinara on the side.
Recipe Variations
Turkey and Cheese Pizza Sticks
Replace the ham with sliced turkey.
Use cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese.
Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Replace the ham with sliced pepperoni.
Add mozzarella string cheese and serve with warm marinara sauce.
Ham and Pineapple Pizza Sticks
Add a few well-drained pineapple pieces with the ham and mozzarella.
Pat the pineapple dry before using it to prevent excess moisture.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Sticks
Fill the dough with cooked shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, and a small amount of ranch seasoning.
Serve with ranch dressing.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Sticks
Use thinly sliced cooked beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese.
Make sure the filling is cool before placing it on the dough.
Spinach and Cheese Pizza Sticks
Combine chopped spinach with mozzarella and ricotta.
Squeeze all excess moisture from the spinach before assembling.
Jalapeño Ham and Cheese Sticks
Add thinly sliced jalapeños with the ham.
Use Pepper Jack cheese for even more heat.
Breakfast Pizza Dough Sticks
Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese.
Serve with salsa or country gravy.
The Best Dipping Sauces
These stuffed pizza sticks pair well with:
- Honey mustard
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic butter
- Alfredo sauce
- Spicy mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Cheese sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Creamy garlic sauce
Honey mustard complements the ham and Swiss, while marinara gives the sticks a classic pizza flavor.
What to Serve with Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks
Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or complete meal with:
- Green salad
- Caesar salad
- Tomato soup
- Vegetable soup
- French fries
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Fresh fruit
- Raw vegetables and dip
- Pasta salad
For parties, arrange them on a platter with several dipping sauces.
Can I Prepare Them Ahead?
Yes.
Assemble the pizza sticks and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Brush them with garlic butter immediately before baking.
You may need to add two or three minutes to the baking time if the sticks are cold.
Storage
Allow leftover pizza sticks to cool completely.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
The crust will soften during refrigeration but becomes crisp again when reheated in an oven or air fryer.
How to Reheat Pizza Dough Sticks
Reheat the sticks in a 350°F oven for approximately 8–10 minutes.
You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
Microwaving is convenient, but it produces a softer crust. Heat individual sticks in short intervals so the cheese doesn’t overheat.
Can You Freeze Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks?
Yes.
Bake the sticks and allow them to cool completely.
Place them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the centers are completely hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes. Divide approximately one pound of homemade dough into eight equal portions.
Do I need to cook the ham first?
No. Deli ham and leftover baked ham are already cooked.
Can I use shredded cheese?
Yes, but sliced cheese and string cheese are easier to contain inside the dough.
Why is the center doughy?
The dough may have been rolled too thickly or the sticks may have been placed too close together. Continue baking until the centers are fully cooked.
How do I know when they are done?
The outside should be deeply golden, and the dough near the seam should no longer appear raw.
Can I make smaller appetizer portions?
Yes. Divide the dough and filling into 12 smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes. Thinly sliced deli turkey works perfectly.
Can I leave out the string cheese?
Yes. Replace it with additional sliced or shredded cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Add cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, jalapeños, or onions. Remove excess moisture before using them.
What sauce is best for dipping?
Honey mustard is excellent with ham and Swiss, while marinara works well with mozzarella and cheddar.
Can I bake them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air-fry them in batches at 350°F for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning if needed.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerated leftovers keep for approximately 3–4 days.
Pro Tips
Keep the refrigerated dough cold until you’re ready to assemble the sticks.
Pat the ham dry if it contains excess moisture.
Place the filling in the center and leave enough dough around the edges for sealing.
Pinch the seams and ends firmly, then position every roll seam-side down.
Don’t overfill the pizza sticks because expanding cheese may burst through the dough.
Brush them with garlic butter before and immediately after baking for the best flavor.
Allow the sticks to rest for five minutes before serving because the melted cheese will be very hot.
Final Thoughts
These Ham & Cheese Pizza Dough Sticks are warm, cheesy, and easy to prepare with refrigerated pizza dough. Layers of deli ham, Swiss or cheddar, and mozzarella string cheese are rolled inside the dough and baked until golden.
Brush them with garlic butter and serve them with honey mustard or marinara for a quick snack, appetizer, lunch, or family dinner. They’re simple to customize and make a delicious addition to parties, game-day spreads, and lunchboxes.
